On today’s date at approximately 3:27 p.m., Deputy Tonya Shutt conducted a Traffic Stop on a grey GMC Sierra on McKethan Road, south of Cortez Boulevard, almost to the Pasco County Line.

Deputy Shutt approached the vehicle, on the driver’s side, to speak with the driver and obtain a driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Almost immediately, at 3:28 p.m., the driver began to flee from the stop, dragging Deputy Shutt for a short time/short distance.

Deputy Shutt advised over the radio that the driver fled, southbound toward Pasco County, that she had been dragged by the suspect vehicle, and was in need of medical attention. Backup units and Fire Rescue were dispatched immediately.

With assistance from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle and driver were located moments later at a location in Pasco County.

Deputy Shutt, 48, was transported to a local hospital with injuries that are considered non-life-threatening.

The driver, identified as Melissa Lloyd W/F DOB/09-10-1970 was placed under arrest in Pasco County. Lloyd is charged as follows:

As busy and hectic as life can be, we all have to share and compromise when driving on our roadways.

It seems as though it is becoming more prevalent for law enforcement to deal with “road rage” incidents.

The definition of road rage is violent anger caused by the stress and frustration involved in driving a motor vehicle in difficult conditions.

I think it is common knowledge that most people are in a hurry due to their own tardiness. Well in that case, leave the house 10 minutes earlier and that should solve your problem.

You cannot blame everyone else for not driving 90 mph in the 55 mph zone so that you are not late to work again.

Another complaint we usually receive is slow traffic traveling in the left lane. The left lane is a passing lane. When driving in the left lane you should be passing the vehicle in the right lane.

Florida State Statute 316.081(3) advises on a road, street, or highway having two or more lanes allowing movement in the same direction, a driver may not continue to operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane if the driver knows or reasonably should know that he or she is being overtaken in that lane from the rear by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed.

This subsection does not apply to drivers operating a vehicle that is overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, or is preparing for a left turn at an intersection.

Notice the statute does not address the speed limit. That means if you are traveling the speed limit and someone approaches from the rear at a higher speed, please move over and let them go by. This is a not only a courtesy but the law.

Drivers who “pace” another vehicle in adjacent lanes actually cause drivers who are following to become frustrated. This causes traffic congestion which in turn can lead to anger, aggressive driving, or even road rage.

Another agitation to drivers is the excessive use of the horn. People commonly use the horn while attempting to hurry another driver through a traffic light. I get it, nothing is more frustrating than sitting at a traffic light for a tenth of a second before the driver behind you is honking their horn.

With that being said, please use common sense and courtesy for others when driving. We all have loved ones traveling on our roadways, let’s not be the reason someone is injured in an accident that could had been prevented.

As always, I hope this information is helpful. Remember to drive safe, wear your seat belt, refrain from distracted driving and watch out for our youth when on the roadways.

Animal Services seeks rightful owners before releasing pets for adoption
(Brooksville, FL) Hernando County Animal Services (HCAS) urges those who were using the We Care for Paws Foundation to board, foster or otherwise care for their animals to immediately contact their office at (352) 796-5062 or email ac@hernandocounty.us to claim their pets.

The We Care for Paws Foundation, located at 4320 Neff Lake Rd. in Brooksville, was providing temporary care for dogs and cats in at-risk situations. On June 13, 2018, 56 dogs and 23 cats were seized by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office because the foundation did not meet code as it pertains to the care and welfare of the animals.

Animal Services is making every effort to return the animals to their rightful owners, but incomplete record keeping by the foundation has made it difficult to contact them. Animals with known pet owners that we have been unable to reach will be held until June 27, 2018; after that they will become available for adoption, rescue, etc. Animals with no known owners will be processed for adoption and rescue as soon as possible.

The animals continue to be cared for by Florida State Animal Response Coalition volunteers at an undisclosed location off-site from HCAS. Gift cards are requested for volunteers to purchase food and personal supplies while they provide this much needed service for our community. Contact HCAS at (352) 796-5062 if you wish to donate.

In an effort to make online transactions safer for both buyers and sellers, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office allows citizens to use its lobbies and parking lot to complete sales setup through online sites such as eBay and Craigslist.

The goal of creating these “Safe Zones” is to deter crimes from occurring during such transactions.

Law enforcement agencies in Florida as well as other states have set up similar “Safe Zones” in an effort to make in-person transactions more secure.

Citizens are encouraged to utilize the Sheriff’s Office lobby in Brooksville, 18900 Cortez Blvd. between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The lobby in Spring Hill, 7499 Forest Oaks Blvd., may be used between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If transactions need to be completed outside of normal business hours citizens may use the parking lot in Brooksville, which is well-lit and under 24-hour video surveillance.

If you plan to use the lobby we ask that you check in at the front desk prior to completing your transaction.